Cloud Security – Reaping the benefits, minimizing the risks

For organizations new to cloud, security is commonly the number one concern – so much so, it’s often seen as a significant barrier to adoption. However, for those further along the cloud journey, while security is seen as important, it is no longer a source of worry or apprehension. Instead, it’s simply another consideration in their risk management strategies and processes. In fact in many cases the level of security delivered by cloud services exceeds that of existing IT services.

So how can your organization adopt and embrace the cloud – reaping the benefits without compromising your business?

The White Book of Cloud Security (2.17 MB /A4, 61 pages) from Fujitsu provides a clear and unbiased guide to help you understand and navigate the complexities of cloud security - ensuring your cloud journey is as trouble-free and beneficial as possible.

Key Considerations

CIOs and their teams need to plot effective cloud security management strategies as well as understand the implications from an operational and technology perspective.

Not all clouds are equal
It’s important to remember there are several different types of cloud – private, public, community or hybrid. The approach chosen has the biggest single impact on the level of risk and its manageability.

Location is everything
Knowing where data will reside is essential as the location has a significant impact on its privacy and confidentiality, as well as the legal obligations of those who process and store the data, given the varying regulatory frameworks in place in different legal jurisdictions.

One size does not fit all
By identifying and classifying data, organizations can consider the most appropriate location in which to store particular information. For instance, if it’s too sensitive for a public cloud, a private cloud may prove a secure and viable alternative.

Join the dots
Many of the risks associated with the cloud come about as a result of inadequate service integration. Organizations need to ensure cloud services are effectively joined up – both with one another and with inhouse systems and business services. It’s also worth considering an access-control approach that incorporates and integrates in-house, outsourced and cloud systems.

The burden of compliance
Whilst organizations using cloud services remain responsible for the security and integrity of their own data, to comply with regulations it’s important to ensure the relevant regulatory, corporate, industry or other standards apply (legally or contractually) to the provider.

Who can you trust?
Evaluate the long-term viability of the cloud provider. Remember it may not just be your data at stake but your reputation, so it pays to work with a trusted partner.

Fujitsu and cloud security

At Fujitsu, we recognize that for customers adopting cloud services, security is a key concern – and we take this very seriously. We have a Cloud Security Committee focused on ensuring our cloud offerings are – and remain – secure. As an active member of the Cloud Security Alliance and other industry bodies, we are also firmly committed to the cause of furthering cloud security standards. Fujitsu’s global expertise and experience in information assurance is widely recognized and means Fujitsu is ideally placed to assist you in all areas of security, not least cloud security.